Small pearls do indeed tend to have more color than larger ones. This is because the host oyster can process the graft tissue and get it working much easier/quicker. The bigger the nucleus in the first graft operation, the harder it is for the oyster to incorporate it successfully. In a couple words, the smaller the graft the higher the quality and the darker the color.

Hey Josh,

That's pretty much the answer I expected, but really only something you can verify from a genuine farmer who participates actively in perliculture!

Thanks!